Pain in the ball of the foot is termed metatarsalgia because it is felt in the area of the metatarsal bones. Metatarsalgia can affect one or all of the five metatarsal bones that connect the toes to the other bones of the foot. Symptoms include a burning or an aching sensation, a sharp shooting pain, and tingling or numbness. Some patients report a feeling of having a tiny pebble inside their shoe under the ball of the foot. One of the most common causes of metatarsalgia is footwear that fits improperly. High heels with pointy toes are frequently a cause of metatarsal pain because these shoes force the ball of the foot into a small space. Another cause of metatarsalgia is high-impact sports, especially running, that put extra pressure on the ball of the foot. Other reasons for metatarsalgia include being overweight, arthritis, certain foot deformities, and aging. If you have pain in the ball of the foot that continues to worsen, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for guidance.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center, PC. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Causes
Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
- Bunions
- Hammertoes
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Bone Spurs
- Corns
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
- Ingrown Toenails
- Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
- Flat Feet
- Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
- And more
Diagnosis
To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Millburn, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
